A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2015 / … Dec 2015 Jan... · 2015-11-25 · 2 AWARE December 2015 / January 2016 Happy Holidays! As you are reading this, American

A M a g a z i n e f o r t h e W o m e n o f H o n g K o n g • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 / J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956

A volunteer organization of women of all nationalities supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational and social activities for members.

AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM

EDITORLindsey [email protected]

ASSISTANT EDITORAngela Bellas

GRAPHICSJacky NganFahima Ahmad

PHOTOGRAPHYFahima AhmadSharon Mason

ADVERTISING [email protected]

PUBLISHED & PRINTED BYR&R Publishing Ltd.2126 [email protected]

VISIT THE AWA WEBSITE: www.awa.org.hk LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/awahk

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @AWA_HK FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @AWA_HKAny opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk.The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance.Copyright 2014. The content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association.Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publicationmay not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

6

18

5

The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. The office will be closed from Friday Dec 18 to Monday Jan 4 for the holidays.

ContentsMembership 3AWA Enjoys 5AWA Charity Bazaar 6Charitable Donations 10Peel Street Poets 12WOW 14A Story of a Start-up 15Christmas for non-Christians 16Golf 17Skiing 18Asian Tours 19Calendar of Events 20Local Tours and Activities 21Ongoing Activities 28Contact Information 29

2 AWARE December 2015 / January 2016

Happy Holidays!

As you are reading this, American Thanksgiving is past, Christmas and Hanukkah loom, and I continue to feel an extra poignant sense of gratitude. I hope you had a chance

to attend the Charity Bazaar on November 13th to kick off the holidays right. Our profuse “thanks” go to everyone that came, shopped, and/or volunteered on the day, with a special “thank you” going out to the talented and wonderful Lisa Strunin who chaired the event.

And as we look to 2016, the AWA will be celebrating our 60th anniversary – 60 years of international women in Hong Kong being active in our community,

learning, traveling, volunteering and engaging in our ”home away from home.” I am looking forward to special features in each issue of AWAre beginning February, culminating in our 60th Anniversary Gala on October 15th of next year. Mark your diaries and save the date! It is a one time, not-to-be-missed event! If you are interested in being involved in the gala committee, please contact Barbora Mayer, [email protected].

Finally, November marks the hard launch of each year’s Make a Difference fund raising drive. Your generosity and the generosity of our friends is critical in our being able to help the needy in our community. Thank you in advance for attending our fundraising events, making donations, and for caring about the work that we do. In that line of discussion, we are looking to expand our list of charitable partners. Each year we identify and vet charitable grants that can be paid in full or in part by companies or individuals that find those causes meaningful. If you know of a company or organization that may be interested in partnering with the AWA to give back, please contact Andrea Roth at [email protected].

May each and every one of you be blessed in all of the ways that are most meaningful for you.

Cheers,Marcy

Marcy LaRont AWA President

Greetings all!

As your ‘new editor’ I am afraid I am a bit of a fraud. I have been so wrapped up in planning my ‘surprise’ 50th birthday party in London (yes, I know) that I have neglected my AWAre duties and left Angela to captain the ship alone, wondering when she’ll ever be able to hang up her cap. Other than cast an eye over the odd article and correct a typo here and there, I have contributed very little to this issue but Angela is loathe to write another ‘this will be my last ed letter’ letter so here I am.

Please forgive the tardy start and be reassured that, despite appearances, I sort of know what I’m doing. Before coming to Hong Kong last year, I lived in Mumbai for six years and spent five of them editing the expat magazine ‘Chalo!’ – please note I am not exclaiming this, the exclamation point was part of the title. (!)

This experience afforded me a wealth of opportunities to meet people and go to places I might otherwise never have, so I know what an honour it is to do this job.

In this special Christmas and New Year issue, we (er, Angela) bring(s) you a stocking full of goodies including a festive offering by Fahima Leah Ahmad who describes her experience of Christmas as a non-Christian. This year she’ll be spending the big day with Mickey Mouse and family, read all about it on page 16. I’m pretty sure we’re not going to have a white Christmas here in Hong Kong but Dimple Shah enjoyed a bit of the white stuff on her skiing trip to Hokkaido – to be honest, I’m just a little bit jealous!

The big news is, of course, the huge success of the AWA Charity Bazaar at PMQ. Thank you to everybody involved in helping to raise a staggering HK$390,000 for AWA’s charities. Good work shoppers!

It remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and I hope to see as many of you as possible for Yuletide drinkies at Oolah on Tuesday December 8th.

Bottom’s up!

Lindsey GordonAWAre Editor

From the President

From the Editor

W E L C O M E

December 2015 / January 2016 AWARE 3

OWL (Out With the Ladies) Come join us any week or every week – same time, same place (except public holidays). WHERE: Oolaa 20 Bridges Street, Soho WHEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm COORDINATOR: Susie Edrington, [email protected]

Look out for details of southside OWL, starting in January

Welcome New MembersKimberly ArthBerangere BilloisJulie BloomfieldSharon BrownCherie BurtonAmy CarrierJessica Duff

Terri DursoKavita GandhiMaureen GuichardIldiko IzsakRitika KapoorSarah LiangLauren Lin

The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with over 800 members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – do join us!

Current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee, a WOW event, or encourage them to attend CHAT. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in Hong Kong.

Joining AWA is easy via our website at: awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

M E M B E R S H I P

Anita MacedoAnne MacleanAugusta Nichols-EvenSara OhSeema RamChristine RousseauCamilla Samsing

Judy SomekhEmma SwiftFiona UdenRosanne WongAi Tong ZhouSue Zorn


M E M B E R S H I P

Neighborhood CoffeesIf you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join others in your area for a monthly coffee. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan new activities. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees.

HK SOUTHSIDE Walli Seegar, [email protected] Gallaudet, [email protected]

POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILLAmita Gupta, [email protected]

DISCOVERY BAY Izumi Ikeda, [email protected]

SAI KUNGKatherine Fenton, [email protected]

KOWLOON Jane Buck, [email protected] Susan Trebach, [email protected]

HK CENTRAL/MID LEVELSKathy Barber, [email protected]

Foon YingWHEN: TBCWHERE: TBCCOORDINATORS: Chrissie Govier, [email protected]: No fee but registration is required"Foon Ying" means "welcome" in Cantonese and what better welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun activities for your group, sharing experiences and building your “guanxi” or "network." Your commitment? Attend all three sessions over three weeks, be open to exploring your new environment and meeting great people. Join and enjoy!

CHAT (Come Have a Talk)WHEN: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) WHERE: Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the

Maritime Museum. COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal

expense)COORDINATOR: Diane Lamboley 9020 9385 [email protected]


A W A E N J O Y S

This year, for the first time, the AWA took part in the annual Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. Our members really got into the pink theme and won the Best Team Costume award. Make a note to join us next year.

In October we Laughed Out Loud for education at the Second Annual Comedy Night. We raised over $30, 000 in support of higher education and merit scholarships towards the advancement of underprivileged Hong Kong youth.


B A Z A A R

THE SUN DIDN'T SHINE, but that didn’t stop the 29th Annual Charity Bazaar from being a resounding success. Vendors and visitors alike loved the new venue at PMQ in Soho, and the event raised an impressive HKD390,000 for our Education and Charity fund.

A big thank-you to ALL the volunteers without whose help the Bazaar could not have taken place. Special mention to co-chairs Lisa Strunin and Kay Suzuki, Marybeth Coffer and Rachel Bourke for all their work prior to the event, and thanks too go to our sponsors Swire Coca-Cola HK, R&R publishing, Sassy and Little Steps.

AWA Charity Bazaar 2015


F E A T U R E

The AWA Giving Tree made its debut at this year’s Charity Bazaar – and what a successful premiere it was! More than 170 red stars covered the tree by the end, each symbolizing a donation to a worthy cause, with many of them dedicated with a personal message to dear friends and family members. Donors could choose their favorite charitable cause with their donations helping to finance an outdoor activity camp for children with cancer or Cantonese tutorial classes for young ethnic minority children in Hong Kong. Others supported regular healthy Sunday meal for homeless people, a rice cooker for refugees in Hong Kong or a fan for low-income elderly in a self-care home. Their generous gifts, amounting to HK$43,700, sent a message of love into the world. Let the stars speak for themselves: ‘Peace to the world’ and ‘Happy Holidays to all’.

We would like to thank Crown Relocations, the generous sponsor of our Giving Tree.

Go knowingwww.crownrelo.com/hongkong

50 Years helping youfind your feetWe can’t wait to show you aroundIn fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes relocations more successful for everyone.

With experienced and knowledgeable people on the ground in more than 60 countries we equip you well for your relocation:

• We’ll help you get to know the destination well before you go

• Show you how to make it easier and more exciting for children, and less stressful for pets

• We’ll look after your belongings with expert packing and transport

• And when you arrive, we can help you get settled quicker and enjoy the thrill of a new place or a different culture

Tel: +852 2636 [email protected]

CR Ad AWA Magazine.indd 1 10/3/2015 6:11:53 PM


K E E P I N G I T R E A L

GRAFFITI IS CONSIDERED by some to be a community eyesore, while others see it as street art. The Hong Kong-based support group KELY, hopes that providing cans of spray paint, paint brushes and modeling clay are tools to opening communication, providing education and mentorship while combating stress, depression and peer pressure for some of Hong Kong’s most vulnerable teens. KELY’s innovative Keeping It R.E.A.L Program – Refuse, Explain, Avoid and Leave – funded exclusively by the AWA from August 2014 to July 2015, gave a group of Hong Kong teenagers who face isolation, lack of motivation and/or support a program that opened the dialogue, while shedding light on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.

Over the past five years, Hong Kong has seen a steady increase in drug use among people under the age of 21. KELY is working to stem that growth by empowering young people to reach their potential through peer support, leadership development and mentorship, and has worked with over 40,000 teens and young people each year hosting over 500 workshops and training sessions.

KELY’s innovative programming provides education and support, targeting Hong Kong’s most vulnerable population of young people. With a charitable contribution of HK$85,000 from the AWA in 2014, KELY recruited 36 F.4 students from Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School in West Kowloon, which has about 700 students, of that number, 50 per cent Ethnic

Minority/Non-Chinese. Many of these students talked about the stress of peer pressure, but also showed a lack of understanding – either from no education or cultural differences – about the dangers of drug use.

Employing various strategies, KELY, along with its team of mentors and facilitators created a ten-session program to reach students through art and action. Students took part in seven graffiti sessions with local group Street Poppy and painted five walls of the school corridors promoting a drug free life; they met with recovered drug users to learn first-hand about the consequences of abuse; and also hosted two successful art exhibitions at the Ka Kee Gallery in Sai Ying Pun, showing art that illustrated the common factors that contribute to drug use among young people.

"Graffiti was something I have never done before and I was asked to create a piece with my teammate on the topic ‘drug-free’,” said Rajita, a student in the group. “I feel very accomplished now that the wall is painted – the whole school will be able to receive the messages we are trying to share with them."

While many of the 36 students involved began the program with poor or low self-esteem, the overwhelming majority of them claimed their self-esteem had improved greatly.

One of the students said: “This program has helped me to understand myself better and I am sure in the future I will make better life decisions because of it.”

The Writing’s on the WallBy Laura M Thompson (US)


C O O K I E D R I V E

THE COOKIE DRIVE is one of AWA's longest standing holiday traditions. This annual event, organized by the Red Cross provides home baked cookies to over 2,000 handicapped and hospitalized children around Hong Kong.

This year, we are asking for all holiday cookies to be dropped off at the AWA office on December 9th.

The cookies should not include nuts and have less sugar and salt.

Please pack your cookies in crush-proof containers and

Let’s Bake Cookieslabeled with their type and the number of cookies inside. Please note that your containers will not be returned.

Feeling inspired to participate? Here is a low-sugar recipe to get you started:

2 1/4 cups unsifted flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 cup butter3/4 cup granulated sugar or sugar substitute 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°F.In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. In large bowl, combine butter, sugars, and vanilla. With wooden spoon, beat until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually add sifted dry ingredients. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-minutes or until lightly browned.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you will be baking this year, please register on the AWA website

The Wine: NERO D’AVOLA TERRE SICILIANE I.G.T., made from a Sicilian Native Grape; Ruby red color with a delicate bouquet of red fruits & spices; Velvety & easy drinking; Especially good with roasted meats & game – Alcohol 13.5%.

The Artist: The watercolor, “AWA Opens Doors,” is by UK artist Lorette Roberts and represents the AWA’s commitment to make things possible within the Hong Kong Community. Lorette is best known for her illustrated books on Hong Kong, China and Singapore. We are delighted that Lorette is once again working with the AWA to help the local community.

The Winery. Since the end of 1700, the Monteverdi family has been in the business of collecting grapes and wines from Oltrepo Pavese in the south of Lombardy. Monteverdi is known for their quality and consistency in many countries around the globe.

Single Bottle – HK$250 Single Signed Bottle if available – HK$700 includes special souvenir gift Case of 6 Unsigned Bottles – HK$1,250 includes special souvenir gift

Case of 6 Signed Bottles if available – HK$3,500 includes special souvenir gift

Wine orders may be placed on www.awa.org.hk or by emailing [email protected]

Help support the AWA Education and Charitable fund with your purchase of our specially labeled wine!


F E A T U R E

ON THE SPOT LIT STAGE, wedged in a musky second floor bar a 20-something exhales deeply, “Ok, I guess I’m doing this.” She is small and so has to tilt the microphone downward. She lays bare her soul in a rhythmic splay of words. The crowd is hushed then exuberant with high-spirited cheer and then the next poet takes the stage.

It is Wednesday, October 21st, the 10 year anniversary of the Peel Street Poets; a group emceed by Hong Kong raised Danish-born Henrick Redbeard Hoeg (couldn’t make that up) who convene weekly at the Orange Peel in Lan Kwai Fong to bravely perform in front of an attentive group of supporters.

At some points raw, sentimental and wounded, at others, riotous, rhyming and even political. The poets take the stage to unleash measured, inflected and at times anguished expressions of loss, aspiration and injustice.

One impossibly tall, angular blonde painfully exulting the one-year anniversary of her escape from the psychological abuse of a boyfriend who broke her with violent fits of rage.

One man’s fond memory of summers spent on his uncle’s farm in Canada; a gangly teen unskillfully baling hay, mesmerized by the head-clearing simplicity of farm life.

A 60-year-old Brit in character as both Donald Trump (on the right side of the stage) and Webster’s dictionary (on the left). Reciting snippets of Trumpisms where the power stems from the use of Trump’s actual words and how crassly they reverberate.

Teams of four write on the spot (five minute time limit) from a prompt selected from a hat – words like ‘different’, ‘nostalgia’ and ‘bar’. They perform, votes are cast, and winners are chosen from each round until a victor is selected. This week it is Keisha in cherry red framed eye glasses and a wonderfully colorful head scarf her words fluid and utterly relevant about the struggle to be better, to want more than you have right now whilst still living for the now. She comes away with a t-shirt, a gift certificate and a broad grinning glow.

The crowd is larger tonight than usual but the stream of regulars are committed and the bar manager knows them by name. For both performer and audience it is an evening that nudges and provokes.

The Peel Street Poets hold open mic nights every Wednesday, Orange Peel 38-44 D’Aguilar St, Central 8pm peelstreetpoetry.com

Peel Street PoetsBy Claudia Doherty (US)

CCWM AWA Half Jan 2014 Horizontal.pdf 1 3/12/2014 5:02:32 PM


W O W

THANK YOU TO SASSY MAMA for their generous contribution as Media Sponsor for the 2015 AWA Charity Bazaar! WOW had the pleasure of catching up with Sassy Mama co-founder, Maura Thompson, for a conversation about why women with sass make the world go round. (You can listen to the full interview by visiting the WOW homepage at www.awa.org.hk and listening to the podcast.)

Briefly, Sassy formed in 2009 as a way for women to connect with other women and find out about the latest and greatest happenings in HK. In 2012, Sassy merged with Yummy Mummy creating Sassy Mama; the Sassy brand continues to grow with new sites in Singapore and Dubai added this year.

When asked about the transition from the US to Hong Kong, Thompson recollected moments of anxiety and loneliness. “I’d like to say the transition was easy…but no one transitions without wondering ‘What have I just done?’” Undeterred by the steamy May weather, Maura ventured out and met co-founders Hester Aba and Natalie Firestone at two different events. She recalls, “You have to

make an effort and put yourself out there.” In fact, Thompson credits the move to HK as the impetus to overcome her shyness when meeting new people. “This really is a place where you can reinvent yourself.”

Reinventing herself has taken Maura from pharmaceutical sales to yoga teacher to volunteer extraordinaire and finally, co-leading the Sassy team across Asia. When asked about guiding the small team, Maura noted that in the early years people had hybrid roles, including the finance director who also acted as the graphic designer. But with the growth of Sassy, those roles are becoming a bit more traditional and yet, through careful design, the company maintains its flexibility to accommodate working mamas. “Flexibility with rules” is Thompson’s mantra.

Finding the right people to contribute articles and insights is key to keeping the Sassy brand at the top. Initially the founders shared the tasks of copywriting but now Sassy and Sassy Mama have a solid collection of experts who write columns, blogs, and reviews. Perhaps, they too, have had the chance to reinvent themselves here in Hong Kong.

WOW Interview with Sassy MammaBy Mary Barbara Hanna (US)


"NOW THIS IS NOT THE END. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

When I decided to take the plunge and commit to a table at the AWA Bazaar way back in July, I sort of saw the 13th November as an end point, a destination. It just goes to show how much of this experience has been (and continues to be) a magical mystery tour for me.

Thank you for all those with kind words of support and even more, to those of you who actually wanted to buy my fun faux fur accessory for boots. I felt very exposed and anxious about the reception Cufffs would receive, but I need not have worried. The day itself was physically and emotionally exhausting, but it is now my bedrock for further development and growth. It was fascinating to see the various strengths of friends who were helping out on the day - and also to confront the things I am less good at! As I build my team I have a better understanding of what I need from everyone.

I know this is just the beginning and how much hard work will be required to keep moving forward. So many ideas, so many to do lists and so much excitement. My children are a mixture of amazed, embarrassed and impressed in probably equal parts. Whatever! My son has now edited a video and I have succeeded in getting my daughter back into the recording studio. We hope that by the time you are reading this our first video will be on the website – please seek it out, just to make a proud Mum even prouder!

Thanks for reading and I sign off with the message that in life we must go for whatever "it" is. Life is very precious, so live it large and share your experiences – upwards, downwards, to the left and to the right. And a pair of pretend furry Cufffs can only make the world smile!

So with hopefully boundless courage, on y va.........."Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage

to continue that counts."

The End or The Beginning?

A Start-up Story

By Carole Atkin (UK) By Rachel Parker (US)

DRAGON BOATING AND GOLF not your sports? Want to start the New Year with a new activity? Try Meet Ups.

I first heard about Meet Ups (meetup.com) in Southern California: a friend who was in LA on business was using it to find other San Francisco Giants fans going to a Giants vs. Dodgers game. However, Meet Ups is for more than just one-off gatherings. Hong Kong Meet Ups has hundreds of interest groups, with participants ranging from just a handful (“We are 18 shavers” of the Hong Kong Wet Shavers club) to thousands (“We’re 7526 Superb Expats” of the Hong Kong Expats)

Within the sports realm, there is beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, several different football groups, cyclists, badminton players, dodgebee players (dodgeball meets Frisbee) tango dancers, hikers and yogis. By the time this appears, there may well be more to choose from – that’s the nature of this grassroots phenomenon.

Signing up is easy: there is no membership fee or commitment. You say you want to join Meet Up, give a couple of details about yourself, and then scroll through the general categories of interest groups. Once you’ve added yourself to a group or two, you can watch for upcoming events you want to join, then sign up and turn up. You’ll most likely meet locals at these events, which in itself is exciting. I’ve added my name to a couple of Meet Up groups and think it will be a great way to continue to explore my new home city.

F E A T U R E

Meet Up!Beyond AWA’s programs, a world of choice


I LOVE CHRISTMAS in New York – the freezing cold weather, Salvation Army Santa’s in the streets and apartment windows lit up with wonderfully kitsch installations – you cannot help but be cheered. The Holiday spirit slaps you in the face – but in a good way!

Christmas in Hong Kong has a similar vibe. This city loves a good light show and is a great place to get into the Holiday spirit. The light show at Victoria Harbor features all the Christmas iconography – Santa and his reindeers – they’re all there!

You could easily be in New York’s Fifth Avenue, it’s not that different to Tsim Sha Tsui. I do as much oohing and aahing at both displays. They are a sight to behold!

An added bonus with the Hong Kong lights is that they morph seamlessly to suit the Chinese New Year and so the holidays extend well into January. Post Gregorian-New Year in Hong Kong doesn't hold the melancholic ambiance of a cold North American one.

Not going to New York this winter is an anomaly for me. My quasi-conservative Muslim family in Queens is not pleased. They have implicitly appropriated Christmas and it does not feel quite the same (they say) without the entire family. This year we are spending our Christmas with Mickey Mouse and his family. Brunch at Disney's hotel should be a lively spectacle. Our little munchkins

F E A T U R E

Christmasfor the non-Christian

will be visited at the table by all the characters in their Christmas attire – far preferable to waiting inline at the theme park. I think the kids will be star stuck, it’ll be magical for them and that, after all, is what its all about! The rest of the day will be spent in Disney Land, with its charming Christmas decor.

Whereas neighbors in Queens, New York compete to decorate their front yards, here in Hong Kong the malls are the ones vying for attention. Our family will visit Pacific Place in Admiralty and wait inline to meet St Nicholas and vouch for our good behavior. In the past tourists and residents have also enjoyed Christmas trees at Statue Square, which was easily as good as the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York.

But of all the traditions – commercial or otherwise – appropriated by Hong Kong, we plan to enjoy a dinner at a former police station built in 1902, now a hotel at Tai O, the Heritage Hotel. This historic site offers a star gazing platform in their glass-roofed restaurant. We may even push the boat out and go for a staycation and book one of the nine colonial style bedrooms. A fishing village that may surprise newcomers, its unpretentious backdrop is the perfect setting to celebrate a family Christmas in Hong Kong.

By Fahima Ahmad (US)


variety, including three 18-hole courses (with three levels of difficulty), food and drink carts every nine holes, locker, restaurant and pro-shop facilities. “The views are stunning there is a driving range and other practice areas at KSC,” Webb adds.

In addition to learning a new sport and meeting new friends, taking up golf has a number of benefits. “If you put in the time and energy to learn golf, you have a wonderful pay-off in a holiday,” Webb says. “There are great golfing holidays around Asia, including in Vietnam and China.”

In fact, last year the team traveled to the Mission Hills course in China for a day trip, and to Macau for a two-day trip. So far for 2016, the AWAGS has a tournament planned for January 27 at Kau Sai Chau, and another two-day tournament on Macau set for February 29. The group tries to schedule tournaments for once a month through May.

In early October of 2015, AWAGS hosted its own “Presidents Cup” tournament at Hong Kong Golf Club at Deep Water Bay. Teams were organized by players’ home countries – Europe, the Americas, and Asia/Oceania. The 62 active members of AWAGS hail from around the world, and this format allowed for a fun mix-up of players. And, this time, Europe won.

Whether a veteran or novice, playing golf in Hong Kong can be very rewarding. “There’s nothing stopping you from getting out there and playing golf, and we can help you start,” says Webb.

By Rachel Parker (US)

WINTER MONTHS ARE COOLER in Hong Kong, but not frigid like much of the world; a perfect time to play golf!

So says Sue Webb, team captain of the AWA Golf Society (AWAGS). The events team for AWAGS is preparing two levels of golf clinics for 2016, including a series just for beginners, as well as monthly tournaments.

“We hear a lot of people come to Hong Kong with a desire to learn golf, but it can be a challenge,” says Webb. That’s because in order to play golf on one of the courses, you have to have a handicap, and in order to have a handicap, you have to have some background in the sport.

The AWAGS beginners’ clinics will help those who are new to the sport learn some fundamentals and earn their handicaps. No dates at time of writing, but golfers and potential golfers should check the AWAGS website for details. The popular ‘social golf clinics’ will run again, according to Webb. The two-hour clinics cost $600HKD.

AWAGS meets every Monday and Thursday at Deep Water Bay – a very centrally located course with good parking and great views, Webb notes. Afterwards, golfers can stay for lunch.

On Wednesdays, the group plays on the public Kau Sai Chau course in Sai Kung. You have to take a private car to a ferry pier, then ride the ferry across to KSC, then ride a bus to the golf course. But once there, the pay off is that the KSC course boasts tremendous

AWA Golf Society helps newcomers get into the swing

F E A T U R E


Skiing, anyone?SKIING AFICIONADOS have long made the most of their stints in Asia by making their way to the north of Japan. Hokkaido region holds the enviable position of being the foremost recipient of what skiing enthusiasts call “champagne powder” – the best, softest and most crystalline powder in the world, that makes for excellent skiing. Coupled with fairly easy logistics and legendary Japanese hospitality, it’s no wonder that a skiing holiday here is usually sold out months in advance.

The two spots vying for top honors are Niseko and Sahuro. Both are accessed from Sapporo a convenient six hour direct flight from Hong Kong. From there a private car would take an additional 3-4 hours, most of which is spent looking out at the winter wonderland gently streaming past your windows.

Sahuro is where the popular Club Med is located, and where I chose to experience the winter skiing season, Japanese style. As a franchise that focuses on family holidays and fun, it is very popular with families, especially with their coaching programs for young children. Adults too can work with the ski instructors, an enthusiastic bunch of young people recruited from all over the world, to learn or improve their skiing skills. The accommodations are fairly basic but comfortable, all meals are included and you can rent all your gear from the ski shop on site. Aside from ski sessions they also have guided treks, snow shoeing, and, for the less actively inclined, a heated swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. Evenings are entertaining with shows put on by the instructors.

Niseko is styled more along the lines of an Alpine Village, with several different kinds of accommodations, ranging from apartments to hotels. Ski lifts take you up to three different slopes, with differing skill levels. There are also snowmobiling, snow trekking and show shoeing excursions on offer.

The coaching provided for young kids is the biggest draw at these resorts. Kids are put into groups and train with them for the length of their stay. They have a full day of training, interspersed with snack and lunch breaks that are fully chaperoned by their group instructors. This in turn, allows the parents to focus on their own skiing routine and coaching.

Although the December holidays are a popular time of the year to visit, experts prefer late January to February. By this time, the region has had an adequate amount of snowfall, ensuring that there is enough of that wonderful powder that attracts skiers from all over the world. Skate boarding has also become more and more popular, especially with younger kids who love the additional thrill.

Skiing and skateboarding, like most outdoor activities, are prone to accidents and injuries. While these resorts tend to be equipped to handle simple spills and falls, more complicated injuries would require evacuation to Sapporo city, something which should be kept in mind while considering a stay here.

With the ease of getting here, and all that you can experience here once you do, you can celebrate an exhilarating winter amidst the pristine slopes at Sapporo, and take away memories to last a lifetime.

By Dimple Shah (US)

S K I I N G


A S I A N T O U R S

All you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive!ASIAN TOURS 2015-2016 TRIPS

Trip Date Destination Sign-Up Start Date Leader

March 2016 Sri Lanka Almost Full! Diane Lamboley, 9020 9385April 2016 Japan Registration On-going Cynthia Lackey, 6200 3222May 2016 Mogoa Caves - Danxia (Rainbow Mountains) – China 1 December, 2015 Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559September 2016 Bhutan March Date TBA Diane Lamboley, 9020 9385

For more information on any trip, please contact the trip leader. The AWA office will not have the information!

Book now for Asian Tours

The History and Art of Japan – April 2016It is NOT too late to register to tour Japan with Asian tours in April 2016Island Hop Japan - 17 April – 21 April 2016

The Beauty of China – Mogoa Caves, Great Wall, Rainbow Landforms. May 2016Do NOT miss this amazing opportunity to explore the beauty of China! Registration begins 1 December 2015

Holidays, Birthdays, Any Occasion… GIFT GIVING AT IT’S EASIEST!










AWA’s Ongoing ActivitiesOf the many ways to get involved in the AWA, Ongoing Clubs and Sports are the most popular, and easiest, ways to make

new friends. We offer something for everyone: from hobbies to languages, golf and dragon boat racing. Ongoing Clubs & Sports offer comfortable and enjoyable ways to keep busy and expand your network of friends. These activities are organized by AWA members for AWA members with similar interests and passions. One time registration is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. For more information and to register, go online to www.awa.org.hk.

ART LOVERS: Kumiko Matsushima, [email protected]; Cynthia Lackey, [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: Sharon Mason, [email protected]

STITCH: Alison Levingston, [email protected];

AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: Penny Van Niel, [email protected]; Anna MacDonald, [email protected])

EVENING BOOK CLUB: Melissa Grove, [email protected]

SPIRITUAL LITERACY GROUP: KateWeisman, [email protected]

MAHJONG MADNESS: Katherine Fenton, [email protected]; Christine Scullion, [email protected]

SOCIAL BRIDGE AND LUNCH: Lisa Strunin, [email protected]

GAMES GALORE-MAHJONG OR BRIDGE: Beth Hall, [email protected]

LUNCH BUNCH: Judy Lakey, [email protected]

ICC- INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLUB: Co-ordinator required

GALLOPING GOURMET: Marybeth Coffer, Linda Gomoll, [email protected], [email protected]

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Giuditta Crovato, [email protected]

AWA HIKING: Birgit Imkamp, Patti Smith, Cynthia Lackey, [email protected]

AWA GLOBE PADDLERS Elissa Imran, [email protected];

DRAGON BOAT TEAM: Anne Fifer, [email protected]

AWA GOLF SOCIETY: Sue Webb, [email protected]

O N G O I N G A C T I V I T I E S


COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected]

Chairperson Susie Edrington: [email protected]

Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: [email protected] for Domestic Helpers Nicola Cottrell: [email protected] Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: [email protected] in the Home Marybeth Coffer: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Trisha Cliff: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Linda Wolfe: [email protected] for the Disabled [email protected] Hok Elderly Centre Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Eden Foundation Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Sunshine Action Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Hong Kong Co-ordinator required: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]

Chairperson Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Conversation Sheila Twinn: [email protected]

Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] Interviews Katherine Payne [email protected] Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Chairperson Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Moderator Rachel Bourke: [email protected]

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected]

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES [email protected]

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Asian Tours Kate Mahjoubian [email protected] Tours and Activities Tracey-Lee Hayes: [email protected] SOCIAL Patti Smith: [email protected]

If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected]

President Marcy LaRont: [email protected] VP Fundraising Amanda Foster: [email protected] VP Membership Sharon Mason: [email protected] Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Editor [email protected] Donations Andrea Roth: [email protected] Service Susie Edrington: [email protected] & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Relations Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Recording Secretary position openTreasurer Annie Fifer: [email protected] and Social Media Angela Bellas: [email protected] Sponsorship [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected]

2nd Vice President Sharon Mason: [email protected] Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559Membership Discounts [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] Mary Barbara Hanna: [email protected]

C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Documents

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2015 / … Dec 2015 Jan... · 2015-11-25 · 2 AWARE December 2015 / January 2016 Happy Holidays! As you are reading this, American